As we creep ever closer towards the Jeep JL Wrangler November launch date, the folks over at JP Freek happened to stumble across a camo’d (is there any other kind right now) 2018 JLU Thursday fueling up at an undisclosed Speedway station.
However, unlike earlier spy photography from the past year or so, these ones got all up close and personal – apparently with the blessing of the vehicle’s operator.
In these photos, we get a good view of what we believe are the JL’s production taillights, based off what we heard earlier last year regarding a Renegade influence to the rear lights.
The front shots also depict a fairly substantial two-tone LED side marker system integrated into the front flares, looking quite a bit larger than just the small marker strip we were expecting. In addition, we get a nice close look at how raked back the windshield will be, as well as some interior shots depicting front and rear integrated grab handles. While we believe the windshield will, in some way, utilize those front handles to fold down, that camo under the windshield still is covering up the hinge design so it is hard to say.
This testing version of the JL was gas-fueled with a JK-style driver’s side fuel filler, and was apparently Pentastar powered and not a diesel (or hellcat) version. However, the hood bulge does indicate it will have room for whatever Jeep wants to throw under the hood. We can't say for sure if this will be the production hood, but it is definitely something that keeps appearing in spy photography.
Another interesting takeaway from these photos are the side mirrors, which to date have almost always been hidden behind a bulky, boxy padded design. No one really believes the production mirrors will be that large, and two of these photos do show a passenger mirror somewhat uncovered and looking more like the earlier JK (07-10) rectangular series mirrors.
We also get a great shot from above the vehicle, showing off its Freedom Panel design as well as what many believe will be removable rear side windows. That shot also shows off the large JL running boards at an angle we have not seen before.
While Jeep has not officially announced an unveiling date for its JL Wrangler, Fiat Chrysler’s CEO Sergio Marchionne did say they may debut the vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto show in early December.
Currently, Jeep has targeted November 13 for the start of JL production, with expected dealership arrival early next year.
You can check out all the JL photos and sighting info JP Freek has to offer here.
